DE102017115589B3 - BATTERY FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

A contact element (100, 102) for a battery module (452), a connecting element (104) for connecting two battery modules (452), a corresponding battery module (452), a battery (450) constructed from these battery modules (452) and a Vehicle (560) with such a battery (450) described. The contact element (100, 102) comprises a base (106) for electrically and mechanically connecting to a pole of a battery module (452), a first leg (108) whose first end (112) is connected to the base (106), and a second leg (110) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), the two legs (108, 110) forming a receiving space (118) substantially circular in cross-section and on the base (106) opposite side between the second ends (114) of the two legs (108, 110) an insertion opening (116) is formed. At both ends (124, 126) of the connecting element (104) in each case two parallel flattenings (130) are formed, whereby two opposite flat surfaces (130) and two lying on a circular arc surfaces (132) are formed. In this case, a thickness (136) of the flattened ends (124, 106, 20) is smaller than a width (138) of the insertion opening (116) of the corresponding contact element (100, 102).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a battery for a vehicle having a contact member for a battery module and a connector for connecting two battery modules, and a method for connecting a plurality of battery modules to manufacture a battery for a vehicle.

State of the art

The present invention will be described below mainly in connection with batteries for vehicle electrical systems. However, the invention can be used in any application in which battery modules are grouped into a battery and thus connected or generally where components must be electrically connected to each other (e.g., control cabinet construction).

So far, battery modules for electrically interconnecting a battery system with busbars made of copper, sheet or sheet material are connected. As a fastener screws are used. The aim of the screw is to obtain the highest possible contact force in order to achieve the lowest possible contact resistance. Thus, in current projects at least two, often even four screws per busbar are used. These screws are delivered pre-assembled to the busbars, where they are kept as captive in elaborate plastic cages. This leads to corresponding costs and a corresponding amount of time during assembly.

US Pat. No. 3,587,030 describes a terminal connector for conducting electrical power from a power source to a resistance heating element. The connector includes a flexible braided conductor having a terminal at one end for attachment to a power source and a spring clip attached to the other end for snugly clamping the conductor to a resistance heating element and maintaining intimate contact as the heating element expands or shrinks due to temperature. Also corresponding contact elements are described.

DE 44 16 888 C1 discloses a contact element for punched out of a sheet-like starting material electrical connector plug. It has two fork-like legs with at their free ends against each other directed projections, which are provided for contact-making, diametrical contact with an insertable between the fork-like legs leg or ribbon-like contact element. The provided for the contact system boundary edges of the projections are straight. When unloaded contact element include these straight boundary edges with its central axis an acute angle, which corresponds to the deflection angle of the legs with inserted pin or band-like contact element. The projections facing away from the part of the contact element is formed as an arc, at the central portion of which leads to a terminal lug of the contact element leading web. The contact element essentially has the shape of a tuning fork.

EP 3 082 195 A1 describes a screwless clamping device for electrical conductors, in particular lightning protection or grounding conductor with the same or different cross-sectional area, consisting of at least two opposite spring legs of electrically conductive material, which form a pair of spring legs and which have a shape for receiving and contacting a portion of the respective electrical conductor, and with a connecting portion between the spring legs. According to the invention, a first clamping part is provided with at least two spring legs and a second clamping part with at least two spring legs, wherein the respective connecting portions are arranged lying back to back lying between the spring legs.

DE 10 2011 015 040 A1 describes an electrical energy storage device of a motor vehicle, having a plurality of electrically coupled memory cells, each memory cell having electrical connection poles which are electrically coupled to electrical terminal poles of adjacent memory cells, wherein at least those electrical terminal poles of the memory cells, which are electrically coupled to electrical terminal poles of adjacent memory cells, formed like a terminal are, and wherein electrically adjacent to the electrical coupling memory cells in the terminal-like terminal poles rail-like or web-like design, electrically conductive coupling means are inserted.

WO 2006/084995 A2 discloses an assembly which forms an electrical connection consisting of an electrically conductive rigid rod which is integrally formed at each of its ends with a multicore flexible conductor.

Description of the invention

An object of the invention is therefore, using a constructively simple means as possible, a cost-effective solution for connecting battery modules for a vehicle battery, which easy to install and with little expenditure of time to create.

The object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying figures. In particular, the independent claims of a claim category can also be developed analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category.

A contact element for a battery module has a base, a first leg and a second leg. Under a contact element, a clamping piece can be understood. The base is arranged to be electrically and mechanically connected to a pole of a battery module. The two legs are connected to the base. Thus, a first end of the first leg and a first end of the second leg are connected to the base. The two legs form a receiving space, which is substantially circular in cross section. Between a second end of the first leg and a second end of the second leg, an insertion opening is formed. In this case, the second end denotes the opposite end of the first end of the respective leg.

Under the connecting element can be understood a busbar. Thus, the connecting element has two ends. The connecting element can be subdivided into three sections: a first contact section, a second contact section and a connecting section connecting the two contact sections. At the ends of the connecting element in each case two parallel flats are formed. As ends, the two contact portions are referred to in this case. Thus, the two flats are arranged on two opposite sides of the connecting element, or the contact portions of the connecting element. A flat is defined as a substantially in-plane surface. The two flats are connected by two surfaces each lying on a circular arc. Thus, an outer circumference in the region of the ends or end pieces is formed by the two flats and the two lying on a circular arc surfaces, which are each arranged alternately. A thickness between the two flats is smaller than the insertion opening of a corresponding contact element.

A battery module comprises at least one described contact element, which is electrically coupled to a pole of the battery module.

A battery for a vehicle comprises at least two such battery modules, which are electrically coupled to one another via a corresponding connecting element. As a rule, a negative pole of a first battery module is electrically connected to a positive pole of a second battery module. Thus, a first pole of the first battery module has a corresponding contact element and a second pole of the second battery module likewise has a corresponding contact element. In this case, a thickness between the two flats is smaller than the insertion opening of the corresponding contact element. Furthermore, an inner diameter of the receiving space, which is substantially circular in cross section, is in each case somewhat smaller than a diameter of the connecting element in the region between the two surfaces lying on a circular arc. The connecting element is rotated after insertion of the ends in the receiving space of the contact element by approximately 90 °, so that the two lying on the circular arc surfaces are each in contact with a leg of the corresponding contact element. As a result, an electrical contact between the first contact element of the first battery module and the connecting element as well as between the second contact element of the second battery module and the connecting element is produced at the same time.

A method of connecting a plurality of battery modules to manufacture a battery for a vehicle includes a step of providing at least two battery modules and a connector, a step of disposing the battery modules, a step of inserting the connector through the receiving opening of the battery modules located contact elements and a step of rotating the connecting element about its longitudinal axis to produce an electrical and mechanical contact between the connecting element and the legs of the contact elements.

In other words, in one embodiment of the inventive idea, a busbar, for example made of round material in module-side contact elements contacted by a 90 ° rotation and fixed simultaneously. Advantageously, a removal of screws and a simpler, faster assembly is achieved. In addition, an elimination of plastic parts, which serve to pre-fix the screws achieved.

In a particular embodiment, the contact elements and at the same time or alternatively the connecting element or the connecting elements essentially comprise copper or a copper alloy. Especially in high-voltage applications in the vehicle, a high current carrying capacity is required, for which copper as a connecting material suitable. In a further alternative embodiment, the contact elements and at the same time or alternatively the connecting element or the connecting elements essentially comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy. This can be advantageous for reasons of weight.

In order to produce a frictional connection, positive connection or a frictional connection between a contact element and a contact section of the connecting element, the inner diameter of the receiving space has a smaller diameter than the contact section of the connecting element. As a result, a compression is sought, which produces a sufficiently good contact resistance under all tolerance positions. Advantageously, the contact force for the secure electrical connection is so great that an accidental release is excluded.

In a preferred embodiment, the first leg in the vicinity of the insertion opening on a Störkante. The interfering edge points inwards from the substantially circular receiving space. In this case, in a particularly preferred embodiment, an area of the interfering edge is parallel to a main extension plane of the base of the contact element. Such a disturbing edge serves as a stop for the connecting element after this or the contact portion of the connecting element has been introduced into the receiving space of the contact element and then rotated by 90 ° in the direction of the interfering edge. Thus, the Störkante represents the function of a haptic feedback during assembly.

The connecting element can be subdivided in a basic form into three sections. A first contact portion, a second contact portion and a connecting portion connecting the two contact portions. The contact sections are characterized by the two flats and the flats connecting on a (common) arc lying surfaces.

A connecting element for connecting two battery modules may be substantially rod-shaped. Thus, the connecting element may be formed as a dimensionally stable round conductor. So it can be a processed round material. In this case, the connecting element is formed as a (dimensionally stable) bus bar.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting element comprises a flexible conduit. A flexible cable can also be understood as a flexible, round conductor or stranded conductor. Thus, a flexible busbar can be realized by only the end pieces are applied to conventional, stripped at the ends round conductor, for example by welding, soldering or crimping. Advantageously, the (battery) modules to be connected no longer have to be exactly aligned with one another since certain tolerances can be compensated for by the flexible conduit. Furthermore, advantageously longer distances can be easily overcome; After a certain length of the connecting element or of the connecting section designed as a flexible line, both ends can be mounted "independently" of one another, and the busbars can also overcome interference edges or height jumps or even connect modules arranged at an angle.

In a particular embodiment, the connecting element may have an insulating jacket in sections. The insulating jacket is preferably arranged in the region of the connecting portion or comprises the entire connecting portion. The insulation jacket provides electrical insulation. In this case, the insulation jacket may be formed, for example, as a shrink tube. Alternatively, the insulation jacket may be sprayed on, for example, or the connecting element may be encapsulated with an insulation jacket.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion, i. H. the portion of the connecting element between the two ends or the two contact portions in a section at least one flattening for a tool engagement. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connecting portion has two opposite, parallel aligned flats. This variant facilitates the use of a standard tool such as a fork wrench.

list of figures

• 1 eine perspektivische vereinfachte Darstellung von zwei Kontaktelementen und einem Verbindungselement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine perspektivische, vereinfachte Darstellung des in 1 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels, wobei das Verbindungselement in jeweils einen Aufnahmeraum der Kontaktelemente eingeführt ist;
• 3 eine perspektivische, vereinfachte Darstellung des in 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels in einem verriegelten Zustand;
• 4 eine perspektivische, vereinfachte Darstellung einer Batterie gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 5 ein Fahrzeug mit einer Batterie gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 6 ein Verfahren zum Verbinden einer Mehrzahl von Batteriemodulen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 7 eine perspektivische, vereinfachte Explosionsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer flexiblen Leitung im Bereich des Verbindungsabschnitts gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung, und
• 8 eine perspektivische, vereinfachte Darstellung des in 7 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels.

Hereinafter, an advantageous embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• 1 a simplified perspective view of two contact elements and a connecting element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a perspective, simplified representation of the in 1 illustrated embodiment, wherein the connecting element is inserted into a respective receiving space of the contact elements;
• 3 a perspective, simplified representation of the in 2 illustrated embodiment in a locked state;
• 4 a perspective simplified view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 5 a vehicle with a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 6 a method of connecting a plurality of battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention,
• 7 a perspective, simplified exploded view of an embodiment with a flexible conduit in the region of the connecting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, and
• 8th a perspective, simplified representation of the in 7 illustrated embodiment.

The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently provided with the same reference numerals.

Detailed description

1 shows essential aspects of the inventive idea described here. Shown are a first contact element 100 , a second contact element 102 and a connecting element 104 , The contact elements 100 . 102 are configured to be connected to a pole of a battery module (not shown). The contact elements 100 . 102 each have a base 106 to electrically and mechanically connect the contact element with said pole of the battery module. Furthermore, the contact elements 100 . 102 a first leg 108 and a second leg 110 on. The thigh 108 . 110 each have a first end 112 on, each with the base 106 connected, as well as a second end 114 on, with the contact elements 100 . 102 between the second ends 114 an insertion opening 116 exhibit. The thigh 108 . 110 include a recording room 118 , The recording room 118 is formed substantially circular, said insertion opening 116 is located on the basis of a circle center of the receiving space 118 to the base 106 opposite side of the recording room 118 ,

The first leg 108 has a disturbing edge 120 on. The interfering edge 120 points from one to the recording room 118 defining inner circumferential surface 122 of the first thigh 108 inside in the reception room 118 , The interfering edge 120 has two planar surfaces, one of the planar surfaces substantially parallel to a base plane of the base 104 is aligned and as a stop for the connecting element 104 serves as this in 3 is apparent.

The connecting element 104 has three sections, a first contact section 124 , a second contact section 126 and a connecting portion connecting the two contact portions 128 , The connecting element 104 is formed rod-shaped. In one embodiment, the connector is 104 originally around a round material, which is cut to the appropriate length and then in the contact sections 124 . 126 each two, substantially parallel flats aligned 130 having. The two flattenings 130 a contact section 124 . 126 become over surfaces lying on an arc 132 connected together so that four surfaces 130 . 132 are defined: two flat surfaces as flattening 130 , which have two surfaces lying on a common arc 132 are connected. The distance 134 of the two (essentially) plan flattening 130 is called thickness 136 the contact sections 124 . 126 designated. The fat 136 is smaller than a width 138 the insertion opening 116 the corresponding contact element 100 . 102 to insert the connector 104 through the insertion opening 116 to enable.

The inner diameter 140 of the recording room 118 is equal to or smaller than the diameter 142 of the connecting element 104 between the two surfaces lying on the arc 132 , In the assembled state, like this one in 3 is shown, thus resulting in a secure electrical connection between the contact element 100 . 102 and the connecting element 104 , between the two thighs 108 . 110 the contact elements 100 . 102 and the contact sections 124 . 126 and there in particular the areas lying on the circular arcs 132 thus results in a positive connection and / or positive connection. To ensure a secure electrical connection, it is advantageous if the fit is formed as a press fit.

In a section of the connection section 128 has in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 104 a flattening 144 on. The flattening 144 may also be referred to as a recess with a flat surface for tool engagement. In a further, not shown embodiment, the connecting element 104 two flattenings 144 on, on opposite sides of the connecting element 104 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion 128 with a insulation jacket 146 envelops. The insulating jacket is preferred 146 as a shrink tube 148 executed. The insulation jacket 140 provides electrical isolation.

In one embodiment, both the contact elements 100 . 102 as well as the connecting element 104 essentially made of copper. When the connecting element 104 an insulation jacket 140 has, it is preferably made of a plastic.

The clamping elements 100 . 102 show an optional slot 149 , which causes the thighs 108 . 110 easier to bend outward to the connecting element 104 despite spreading caused by a rotation of the legs 108 . 110 easy to record. Ultimately, can be by means of the slot 149 and its geometric design, the spring action of the legs 108 . 110 to adjust.

2 and 3 show the two contact elements 100 . 102 as well as the connecting element 104 out 1 , where in 2 the connecting element 104 through the insertion opening 116 in the respective recording room 118 the contact elements 100 . 102 is introduced. In 3 is the connecting element 104 then rotated 90 ° clockwise, creating an electrical and mechanical connection between the contact elements 100 . 102 and the connecting element 104 was produced. In the two figures it is clear that on the one hand a relation between the width 138 the insertion opening 116 and the thickness of the contact portion 124 . 126 exists, so that the contact section 124 . 126 in the recording room 118 of the contact element 100 . 102 can be introduced, and on the other hand, a reference between the inner diameter 140 of the recording room 118 the contact elements 100 . 102 and the diameter 142 between the two surfaces lying on a circular arc 132 the contact sections 124 . 126 consists. After insertion of the respective contact sections 124 . 126 in the corresponding recording rooms 118 the respective contact elements 100 . 102 and the twisting of the connecting element 104 around 90 ° are the surfaces 132 on the inner circumferential surface 122 the contact elements 100 . 102 at. The dimensions are chosen so that on one side the legs 108 . 110 spring slightly outward, so a contact pressure on the connecting element 104 To produce and thus to ensure a secure electrical connection.

4 shows a battery 450 with three battery modules 452 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the battery modules 452 has two terminals 454 . 456 on. A first terminal 454 makes an electrical contact with the positive terminal a second terminal 456 makes electrical contact with the negative pole of the respective battery module 452 ago. At the terminals 454 . 456 is in each case a contact element 100 . 102 arranged. A connecting element 104 connects the first contact element 100 a first battery module 452 with the second contact element 102 of the second battery module 452 , Another connecting element 104 connects the first contact element 100 of the second battery module 452 with the second contact element 102 of the third battery module 452 , So are the three battery modules 452 connected in series.

• • es gibt ein Loch mit Durchmesser <X, welches den Aufnahmeraum 116 des Kontaktelements 100, 102 schafft.
• • Das Loch ist nach oben hin offen, wodurch eine Einführöffnung 116 vorhanden ist.
• • Es entsteht im oberen Bereich ein Schlitz (Einführöffnung 116) mit der lichten Weite Y
• • Im Übergang vom Loch zum Schlitz befindet sich einseitig eine Störkante 120

In other words, every terminal carries 454 . 456 of the battery module 452 also referred to as a clamping piece contact element 100 . 102 made of copper. The contact element 100 . 102 is easily made from an extruded profile by cutting the profile to length. The profile has the following characteristics:

• • there is a hole with diameter <X, which is the receiving space 116 of the contact element 100 . 102 creates.
• • The hole is open at the top, creating an insertion hole 116 is available.
• • There is a slot in the upper area (insertion opening 116 ) with the clear width Y
• • In the transition from the hole to the slot, there is a trailing edge on one side 120

For this purpose, copper bars with a diameter> X are used to connect the connecting elements, also referred to as busbars 104 made by at the ends and approximately in the middle two-sided flattening 130 . 144 be introduced. The flattenings 130 . 144 result in parallel surfaces whose distances are the measure Y correspond. As contact protection, a shrink tube could 148 be upset.

Due to the coordinated design of the two parts (contact element 100 . 102 ; connecting element 104 ) results in a radial joining direction, by the contact section, also referred to as two-flat 124 . 126 of the connecting element 104 is inserted into the slot of the clamping part.

5 shows a vehicle 560 with a variant of a battery 450 like this already in 4 is shown. 5 shows a variant of the arrangement of the contact elements 100 . 102 used to connect two opposing battery modules compared to in 4 illustrated embodiment are rotated by 90 °

Is the connecting element 104 Introduced to the stop, it can then be in one Direction to be turned. In the case shown, the rotational movement is freely accessible in the clockwise direction. Counterclockwise, the left interference edge would 120 prevent the rotation. As a tool for turning is a fork wrench, which is at the central flats 144 can be recognized.

But because the diameter 140 . X of the hole (recording room 118 ) in the contact element 100 . 102 (Clamping part) is designed slightly smaller than the diameter 142 . X of the rod material, when turning the connecting element 104 (Busbar) the contact element 100 . 102 spread. This creates a contact force that is desired to achieve low contact resistances. After a 90 ° turn, the flattening becomes 130 the interfering edge 120 reach, creating a noticeable for the worker stop and he stopped the rotation. The components are now in X and Z - direction positive and in Y Direction by clamping frictionally secured against loosening.

The design of the components contributes to process-reliable assembly:

When joining the connecting element 104 The geometry helps finding the right position: the connector 104 (Busbar) aligns itself in the axial direction, since the flattening 130 as a stop on the contact element 100 . 102 serve.

In the illustrated arrangement of modules 452 is due to the rotational movement of the connecting element 104 at the same time at both ends 124 . 126 of the connecting element 104 each made a contact. This will be the modules 452 connected serially.

The achievable clamping force can be varied by geometric adjustments:

The most important parameter is the theoretical compression of the components, as the diameter 142 the shaft (connecting element 104 ) must be slightly larger than the diameter 140 of the recording room 118 (Hole in the clamping part). By variation in the wall thickness of the legs 108 . 110 the stiffness of the clamping can be influenced. Also, a slot 149 in the lower part of the hole help to make the clamping piece easier to deform.

The parts (contact elements 100 . 102 as well as connecting element 104 ) are moved during assembly against each other under pressure, whereby any existing oxide layers are broken and the contact resistance decreases.

For ease of understanding, reference numerals will be used in the following description 1-5 retained as a reference.

6 shows a flowchart of a method for connecting a plurality of battery modules 452 to a battery 450 for a vehicle 560 manufacture. For this purpose, the method comprises at least one step S1 the provision of a first battery module 452 , at least a second battery module 452 and at least one connecting element 104 , Ultimately, usually the number of fasteners 104 one less than the number of battery modules to be connected 452 , In the following step S2 of arranging become the battery modules 452 for example, arranged side by side and aligned with each other, so in the following step S3 introducing the connecting element 104 in each case a clamping element of two adjacent battery modules 452 can be introduced. At this time, the flats are 130 parallel to the direction of movement of the connecting element 104 aligned, ie with respect to the figures, in particular 1 vertically or vertically aligned. So can the contact sections 124 . 126 through the insertion opening 116 the contact elements 100 . 102 in the recording room 118 be introduced. In the following step S4 turning is the connecting element 104 rotated in about a quarter circular arc (about 90 °), with the direction of rotation from the position of the Störkante 120 results. This is the area lying on the arc 132 pointing in the direction of the insertion opening 116 is aligned, from the interfering edge 120 moved away. Since the interfering edge in 1 to 3 each on the left thigh 108 is formed, resulting in the illustrated embodiment, a clockwise direction. By the rotational movement of the connecting element 104 becomes an electrical and mechanical contact between the connecting element 104 and thighs 108 110 the contact elements 100 102 produced.

7 shows an exploded view of a connecting element 104 in which the connecting section 128 essentially a flexible conduit 770 includes. In the flexible line 770 it is a stranded conductor 772 , with an insulation jacket 146 , The ends of the stranded conductor 772 are stripped. 8th shows the same embodiment as a connecting element 104 , The contact sections 124 . 126 are in this embodiment as contact elements 724 . 726 formed. For example, the contact elements 724 . 726 made of a round material, with the flattening 130 as well as lying on a (common) circular arc surfaces 132 be created. In addition, a contact section 774 formed with a stripped end of the flexible conduit 770 connected is. The connection of the contact section 774 of the contact element 724 . 726 with the stripped end of the flexible cable 770 is made via a crimp connection, a welded joint or, for example, a solder joint. For example, said compound can be made by friction welding. The advantage of this embodiment is that virtually a flexible busbar is created by only the end pieces are applied to conventional, stripped at the ends round conductor; this happens, for example, by welding, soldering or crimping. The advantage: the battery modules can also be arranged slightly offset from one another, furthermore larger distances can easily be overcome. From a certain length both ends can be mounted "independently" from each other, the busbars can also overcome interference edges or height jumps or connect even angularly arranged modules.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100, 102

Contact element, clamping piece

104

Connecting element, busbar

106

Base

108

first leg

110

second leg

112

first end

114

second end

116

insertion

118

accommodation space

120

interfering edge

122

Inner circumferential surface

124, 126

Contact section, finish

128

connecting portion

130

flattening

132

area

134

distance

136

thickness

138

width

140

Inner diameter

142

diameter

144

Flattening, recess

146

insulation jacket

148

shrinkable tubing

149

slot

450

battery

452

battery module

454

first terminal

456

second terminal

560

vehicle

S1 - S4

steps

724.726

contact element

770

flexible cable, flexible cable, flexible round conductor

772

Stranded conductor

774

Contact section

Claims (10)

Battery (450) for a vehicle (560) a. with a first battery module (452) having at least one first contact element (100, 102), comprising i. a base (106) electrically coupled to a pole of the first battery module (452), ii. a first leg (108) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), iii. a second leg (110) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), iv. wherein the two legs (108, 110) form a receiving space (118) which is circular in cross-section and on the base (106) opposite side between the second ends (114) of the two legs (108, 110) has an insertion opening (116). is formed, and b. at least one second battery module (452) having at least one second contact element (100, 102), comprising i. a base (106) electrically coupled to a pole of the second battery module (452), ii. a first leg (108) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), iii. a second leg (110) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), iv. wherein the two legs (108, 110) form a receiving space (118) which is circular in cross-section and on the base (106) opposite side between the second ends (114) of the two legs (108, 110) has an insertion opening (116). is formed, and c. a connector (104) for connecting the two battery modules (452), i. wherein at both ends (124, 126) of the connecting element (104) in each case two parallel flats (130) are formed, whereby two opposite flat surfaces (130) and two lying on a circular arc surfaces (132) are formed, ii. wherein a thickness (136) of the flattened ends (124, 106, 20) is smaller than a width (138) of the insertion opening (116) of the respective corresponding contact element (100, 102), d. wherein the first contact element (100, 102) of the first battery module (452) is connected to the second contact element (100, 102) of the second battery module (452) by means of the connection element (104), wherein the thickness (136) of the flattened ends (124 , 126) of the connecting element (104) is smaller than the insertion opening (116) of the corresponding contact element (100, 102) and an inner diameter (140) of the circular receiving space (118) is less than or equal to a diameter (142) of the connecting element ( 104) between the two lying on the circular arc surfaces (132). Battery (450) according to Claim 1 wherein the contact element (100, 102) comprises copper. Battery (450) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (108) of the first contact element (100, 102) and / or of the second contact element (100, 102) has a disturbing edge (120) in the vicinity of the second end (114). having inwardly facing from the receiving space (118). The battery (450) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner diameter (140) of the receiving space (118) of the first contact element (100, 102) and / or the second contact element (100, 102) has a tolerance of the nominal diameter (X) or smaller , Battery (450) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (104) is rod-shaped. Battery (450) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , a connecting portion (128) between the two ends (124, 126) of the connecting member (104) comprises a flexible conduit. A battery (450) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (104) comprises an insulating jacket (146) which envelopes the one connecting portion (128) between the two ends (124, 126) with the flats (130) and electrical insulation provides. Battery (450) according to the preceding claim, wherein the insulating jacket (146) is formed as a shrink tube (148). The battery (450) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (104) has at least one tool engagement flare (144) in a connecting portion (128) between the two ends (124, 126). A method of connecting a plurality of battery modules (452) to produce a battery (450) for a vehicle (560), comprising the steps of: a. Providing a first battery module (452) with at least one first contact element (100, 102), comprising i. a base (106) electrically coupled to a pole of the first battery module (452), ii. a first leg (108) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), iii. a second leg (110) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), iv. wherein the two legs (108, 110) form a receiving space (118) which is circular in cross-section and on the base (106) opposite side between the second ends (114) of the two legs (108, 110) has an insertion opening (116). is formed, at least one second battery module (452) with at least one second contact element (100, 102), comprising v. a base (106) electrically coupled to a pole of the second battery module (452), vi. a first leg (108) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), vii. a second leg (110) having its first end (112) connected to the base (106), viii. wherein the two legs (108, 110) form a receiving space (118) which is circular in cross-section and on the base (106) opposite side between the second ends (114) of the two legs (108, 110) has an insertion opening (116). is formed, and at least one connecting element (104) ix. wherein two parallel flats (130) are formed at both ends (124, 126) of the connecting element (104), whereby two opposite flat surfaces (130) and two surfaces (132) lying on a circular arc are formed, x. wherein a thickness (136) of the flattened ends (124, 106, 20) is smaller than a width (138) of the insertion opening (116) of the corresponding contact element (100, 102) and an inner diameter (140) of the receiving space (FIG. 118) is less than or equal to a diameter (142) of the connecting element (104) between the two surfaces (132) lying on the circular arc; b. Arranging the battery modules (452) such that the first contact element (100, 102) of the first battery module (452) and the second contact element (100, 102) of the second battery module (452) are aligned with each other; c. Inserting the connecting element (104) such that the flats (130) are respectively aligned with the second ends (114) of the legs (108, 110) of the associated contact element (100, 102); and d. Rotating the connector (104) about its longitudinal axis to provide electrical and mechanical contact between the connector (104) and the legs (108, 110) of the contact elements (100, 102) produce.

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